Ohio’s largest group representing abortion opponents is cheering news that two clinics that offered abortions in the Buckeye State have closed their doors.
The Women’s Medical Group offices in Cleveland and Akron have closed their doors. That means there are now eight clinics that offer surgical abortions in Ohio – down from 16 seven years ago.
The Ohio Department of Health says their licenses remain active. The news comes in the same week that the owner of a third northeast Ohio abortion facility had his medical license suspended for six months.
Ohio Right to Life issued a written statement celebrating the news, saying grassroots efforts of abortion opponents are paying off.
“During that time, Ohio has championed 19 pro-life laws, and abortions have fallen 25 percent,” the statement reads. “Ohio’s progress is undeniable.”
But in a statement from NARAL Pro Choice Ohio, Executive Director Kellie Copeland blames Gov. John Kasich and his political appointees for creating an environment that discourages doctors from opening new clinics in the state.
“Ohio needs more abortion clinics,” Copeland says.
Correction: A previous version of this story and headline gave incorrect counts of the remaining clinics.
